Are you a KHA graduate who would like to help run the KHA program? If so, please contact Julie Miller at 1150@hotmail.com .

Are you interested in helping to raise money for the KHV Project? If so, please contact Jerold Kyle at jeroldkyle@yahoo.com .

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Carole Elliott at 5:45 p.m.

MINUTES: Motion: To approve the minutes of June 9th. Motion by Don, 2nd by Jeff. Approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

FINANCIALS: We went over the May and June (-$3,942) QuickBooks Profit & Loss statements which didn’t reflect Pay Pal monies (+$1,521). We also went over the Profit & Loss for the Fiscal Year showing a net loss of $35,736, of which just under $17,000 went to Project KHV expenses and $5,000 was loaned to KOI USA. Excluding these expenses, losses averaged about $1,000 per month over the Fiscal Year.

WEBSITE: Cesar Yanez and Garry Chin have worked hard to get the Koi of the Year photographs for 2014, 2015, and 2016 organized for voting online. We paid for a $200 upgrade to Poll Daddy. The hacking problem has been resolved.

KHA: Brenda stated that 9 KHA students were at the Iowa Wet Lab; 6 graduated. 16 members of the public also attended with 3 subsequently enrolling in the course. Julie is putting together recommendations for the Program; she wants to recruit and train a replacement, maybe as early as 2017 and definitely by 2018. If you are interested, please contact Julie.

PROJECT KHV: Don read Jerry Kyle’s report: As chairman, I attended the Annual KHA Wet Lab and Annual AKCA Business meeting dinner in Cedar Falls, Iowa, in June and let members know of progress made by OSU in their effort to find a solution to the worldwide KHV problem. Included in this monthly report is the latest billing for accumulative supplies ($1909.48) to continue the work. At the Dinner we had another raffle to raise money in order to continue to be partners to help fund OSU in their effort to eradicate the Koi Herpes Virus problem. We would like to see other clubs in our AKCA network of supportive clubs have raffles or find other fund raising opportunities to donate to the AKCA KHV committee specifically to be used in KHV research. Any money raised will be used to no other purpose and will garner recognition and appreciation for your club. Let me know what you can do at jeroldkyle@yahoo.com. Good things happen by working together! FYI: Claude & Dianne Head paid $1,000 at auction for a Ki Utsuri Peter Enfield slate; this money will go directly to the KHV grant. Thank you Claude and Dianne!!

PUBLICATION: The 41.1 issue has been sent out. Bob is still working on getting bids for the Koi Person of the Year certificates.

MEMBERSHIP: Of the 79 clubs, 4 still have not sent in their annual dues and one of the clubs, Nashville Pond Society, is disbanding. There is a club in Utah that may be interested in joining AKCA.

JUDGING: No report.

RISK MANAGEMENT: We have 16 clubs enrolled in the Premium insurance for FY 16/17.

BOOKSTORE: Sales last month were $2,045; sales at the Iowa wet lab were in excess of $1,500.

SPEAKER’S GRANT: No report.

KOI PERSON OF THE YEAR: If your club has not received their Koi Person of the Year award, please contact Carole. She will get in touch with Ally Chibana to see what the status is and make sure that your club gets their award.

KOI OF THE YEAR: Go online to www.AKCA.org to vote; Garry Chin is in charge. The 2013_2014 submissions can be voted on until the end of August; September 1st we’ll post the 2014_2015 entries for voting and on October 1st we’ll post the 2015_2016 entries for voting.

MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS: None.

SEMINAR REPORTS:

2016 Seminar: Brenda reported that we had a very successful AKCA Business Meeting, Banquet and Wet Lab. AKCA profit for the wet lab was $3,570.39 after expenses. Claude & Dianne Head, of the North East Iowa Koi Association, Inc., put on a very organized program. Their club’s share of the Auction and Raffle funds (split 50/50) was $1,602.50. After the wet lab on Sunday, attendees road tripped to Kloubec Koi Farms for a guided tour of their 80 acre operations. A Big Thank You to Myron and Ellen!

2017 Seminar: Carole stated that the Mid-Atlantic Club will be hosting. It was felt that the wet lab should be held at the hotel decided upon as the room at Quality Koi would be too humid for 1 1/2 days of work and instruction. Jo Mead is working on a hotel location. There will be a tour of Quality Koi on the Sunday after the wet lab.

2018 Seminar: Carole contacted the Koi Club of San Diego to see if they’re interested in hosting the Wet Lab and Banquet. They have yet to make a decision but are open to hosting this. Carole will contact their new President, Scotty Yee.

PROXY CALLS FOR AUGUST

Please send any pictures of club members, or others, reading KOI USA magazine.

If your club has recently held a pond tour or koi show, has it been submitted for an article in KOI USA magazine?

UPCOMING AKCA ANNUAL CALENDAR EVENTS FOR AUGUST

Seminar profit report

OLD BUSINESS:

None

NEW BUSINESS:

None

Motion to adjourn at 6:26 p.m. Motion by Don, 2nd by Brenda. Approved.

Respectfully submitted by,

Don Chandler, Secretary

REPRESENTATIVE CONTACTS:

Written report submitted by Carole Elliott: Jackie Allsup, of Eastern Iowa PS, said they recently held their June meeting at the Junger’s home. They live in Northern Iowa and also run a small exotic animal farm. In the midst of an occasional peacock screech, they listened to guest speaker, Jim Schwarz, talk about hosta. A yummy pot luck was enjoyed by all. The main topic of discussion is the pond tour coming up on July 10th. Everyone is busy making their yards all pretty. Jackie Allsup, of Northern Iowa P&KC, said they held their last meeting in and on the streets of downtown Dysart. The owner of a blacksmith shop there gave them a great talk about HER trade and how she became a blacksmith. The Dysart Blue Hat Ladies were there to talk about their small town. Sack lunches were also provided by yet another small shop in town. Like something out of Mayberry, they all decided they needed to come back on their own to explore. Their main topic of everything finalized, so they are looking forward to visiting with all the tour attendees. So Cal Koi Club held their July meeting at the home of Paul and Pam Kurz. He has a beautiful 5,000 gallon pond with a lot of beautiful koi. Carole Elliott gave a talk about the recent AKCA wet lab and encouraged all to attend a future wet lab. Mel Barutha, of South Carolina K&WGS, said their pond tour was held on June 11th with 13 ponds available for viewing. It was another successful tour. The following weekend was an open house for Happy Koi of Greenville. All were welcome and some great buys on grow out fish were available. Mel felt like he was a kid in a candy store. The grow out fish will be judged at their upcoming koi show and they are looking forward to see what fish wins the honor as the best fish in this year’s grow out. There were many fish available at various sizes in all types of price ranges. From now until September 30th the koi show committee will be working towards the one goal they all strive for, a successful koi show. Last year’s one in a thousand year rain storm put a damper on the show but didn’t dampen their spirits. They are hoping to be able to get more out-of-state koi entries this year. The show dates are Sept. 30, Oct. 1 & 2. It will be here before they know it. Ralph Smith, of Southwest K&PA, said Thank you Gaston & Olympia Cyr for hosting their last meeting. Their next meeting will be at the home of Luis & Veronica Lopez. Jan Jordan, of Mid-Columbia K&PC, said the club went through some changes this last month. The President, Jisica Watkins, resigned which, via their by-laws slotted Jan into the President’s seat, immediately. A good thing as that very morning the President needed to be at the bank to switch the banking acc’t. from the old treasurer, Jamie Lennick, to the new treasurer, Jean Hutfles, plus get the new President’s name on the acc’t. Next rec./business meeting, July 3rd. Hopefully they can get a V.P. re-instated and not run with the seat vacant till elections in the fall. One of the items she is proposing is a members-only pond tour caravan, going to ponds that members don’t always see due to space constraints and/or the ability to host a meeting. Jan Brown, of North Florida KC, said they will be having their Spring Auction on June 11th; funds their rescue operation service. Last week, grow-out showa were distributed; the club bought two extra ones that are for sale. David Muraoka, of Sierra KC, said they are dormant right now with no planned activities. Norm Call, of Oregon K&WGS, said they will have the August 6th meeting at the Rainbow Pond Fish store in Springfield, OR and on Sept. 3rd will be a tour of the Rock Creek Fish Hatchery in Idleyld Park then followed by their annual BBQ at the Dogwood Motel. JoAnn Mead, of Mid-Atlantic, said for the Long Island Chapter: Pond Tour July 17th; and for the South Chapter a Japanese Festival at the National Arboretum for reopening of the pond October 15, 2016. Christine Wilkolaski, of Niagara Frontier K&PC, said their July meeting will be held at Arbordale Nurseries in Getzville, NY. The topic will be Amphibians. Brenda McCormick, from the Western New York Herpetological Society, will be the presenter. It will be Christmas in July as a local nursery Masterson donated frog houses to the club, each member will receive one. The club will be holding their annual Koi Show at Abordales on July 9th and 10th. They will have members show their koi and demos on pond products and Bonsai trees are scheduled. A basket raffle and auction will be on Sunday. On July 16th, they will have their South towns Pond Tour. They have seven stops with a picnic at the last pond. A group of members did get together and cleaned the Erie County Fair Koi Pond. Getting it ready for the fair in August. Stephen Dumas, of North Texas WGS, said they had a great 25th annual Tour of Pondf last month. They will be back at the Texas Discovery Gardens in September for the pre-state Fair clean out. Their July meeting will be held on July 12th. They will have a special location for July only. Please check out their website at http://ntwgs.org. Debby Young, of the Southern Arizona Koi Association, reports their July BBQ had to be cancelled. There will not be a July meeting. Venue for their 37th koi show November 11-13th, 2016 has been confirmed. Registration packets for Vendors will go out this week. Contact Brent (520) 780-3980 for more info. Bruce Lott, of the Olympic K,GF&WGC, reports their club had a late start this year due to sickness in March. During the meetings they have had a discussion about a pre-selected subject. In July was dividing hardy water lilies. Jan Bahr. Bonnie Nakahara, of Hawaii GF& KC, said the club has been busy participating in events around the community. They recently were a part of the annual Pet Expo sponsored by the Hawaii Veterinary Association. Having a large booth space at the local exhibition hall, they were able to put on a display of koi and goldfish. They also did a display board with some information on koi and pictures of member’s ponds. They were also able to sell water lilies and bog plants raised by their members. Their latest event was the Hawaii Pet Show where they shared information on koi and goldfish and were also able to sell fishes and plants raised by their members. Upcoming is their pond tour for just their members. They will be seeing a new pond built by one of their members as well as a spring fed pond at one of their member’s house. Mary Ann Penix, of Piedmont K&WGS, said they continue to meet monthly at member’s ponds. Their next meeting is July 9th. They are planning to have a speaker in the near future regarding bonsai. It has been really hot there in N.C. these past few months. Many members are having trouble with string algae. The NorthFlorida KC’s June meeting was held at the home of Rodney & Anita Davis with ten members present. They all enjoyed the host’s collection of corals & shells. Thanks to Dave & Linda Hagen for sponsoring their koi auction. At the July 10th meeting they will discuss the upcoming koi (2) rescues. Sara will also bring signs for the Pond Tour; the following meeting they will judge the results for a prize. Their Pond Tour will be Sept. 17-18th. They will have koi shaped signs for each participant on the tour. Ken Houtman, of The Great Pond and Koi Society of West Michigan, reports the club has been meeting monthly at members’ homes enjoying the great ponds, great weather, and great food (potluck dinners) while having discussions about koi and their environments. We have a koi photo contest coming up this fall with entries from our member ponds and a 50/50 auction at our next meeting. Check out their website at http://www.wmikoipond.com. Carole tried but was unable to reach: Canada KC of British Columbia; Central Alabama K&WGS; Puget Sound KC; WGC of South Texas; Central Alabama K&WGS; ZNA PotomacChapter KC; Gulf Coast KS;Northern Nevada PC; Land ofLincoln WG&KS; Sierra KC; Northwest K&GFC0-ZNA Northwest; North Idaho Koi Keepers;Atlanta KC; Miami Valley WGS; IndianaK&WGC.

Written report submitted by Don Chandler: Mike Przewoznik, of Bakersfield Koi & WGS, reports their 17th Annual Koi Show will be held Oct 21 – 23 at the Kern County Fairgrounds, so you only have 90 days left to send in your registration packet. Check out the club’s web site at http://www.bkwgs.com/. Rosimeri Tran, of Central California Koi Society, reports she’s completed her treatments and is now cancer free. Congrats to Rosimeri on her strong family, hard work and great attitude that’s gotten her to this point! July meeting was at Dale and Sandy Winn’s home in Clovis and the Aug meeting is TBD. Their 38th Annual Koi Show will be held Sep 24 – 25 at Fig Garden Village and entrance packets are available on their site. Check out the club’s web site at http://www.cencalkoi.com. James McAdams, of Deep South Koi & Pond Society, reports the July meeting was held at the home of Jerold and Janis Bonds and was their club’s Annual Birthday party. Check out their website at http://www.deepsouthkoi.org. Donny Allen, ofE.A.S.Y. Koi Pond & Water Garden Club, reports we are blessed to be able to benefit from a venture known as The John Bunker Sands Wetland Center which is located near us. We recently paid a visit to this facility and were so impressed with what this wetland does for our community. This wetland is 102,000 acre feet of water retrieved from the Trinity River and the wetland uses plants of many types to filter this water to be used as our drinking water in our homes. Its construction averted a true water emergency in this area. I think we all got an education in the importance of aquatic plant life in our own ponds as well as ideas on varieties of plants for the best results. Check out their page at https://www.facebook.com/EASYKoi/. Katy Shanafelt, of Idaho Koi & WGS, reports our August board meeting on the 1st is coming up. All members are welcome to attend. We will meet at the Idaho Pizza at Glenwood and State in Garden City, next to D & B. Our Annual Koi & Goldfish Show will be held on Aug 27th at the Idaho Botanical Gardens in Boise. Contact Sot Chimonas 208-286-0288 sotchimonas@msn.com for details. Check out their website at http://www.iwgks.org. Mac McClain, from Inland Koi Society, reports the Jun meeting was held at the home of long time members Ed and Linda Kushner. The meeting was opened by Inland Koi Society Vice President Rob Fales. There was a great deal of anticipation in seeing the Kushner’s pond, due to the fact that it was recently, completely remodeled. The anticipation was worth the wait. The pond was beautiful. Ed said since the remodeling he has less maintenance care on the pond. The pond was enlarged from 5,000 gallons to 14,000 gallons. Also in line for congratulations were youth members of our club, Erica Henry and Eric and Carrie Fales, who all graduated from college this year. The guest speaker was Ed Brown of “ponderiffie” His company specializes in landscape design and construction. He also helped Ed and Linda with their remodeling. Jack Marrin was the auctioneer for our koi auction and as usual did a great job. A great time was had by all, and as usual the food from the pot luck was outstanding. The Sun Jul 24th Pot Luck meeting will be held at the home of Nick and Peggy Milfield in Riverside. Flowers were sent to past President Dennis Lynaugh’s Memorial on Jul 14th. Check out their website at http://www.inlandkoisociety.org. Scotty Yee, of Koi Club of San Diego, reports the Pot Luck July 10th meeting was held at the home of Augusto & Coleen Angelucci on Whale Watch Way in La Jolla. Guest speaker was Shawn McHenry of Mystic Koi. The Aug 14th Pot Luck meeting will be held at San Diego Pond & Garden in Poway. The pin contest for the upcoming 30th Annual Koi Show is now underway. Check out their website at https://www.koiclubofsandiego.org. Bernard Nesmith, of Low Country Koi Club, reports the meeting had discussions about the Charleston Koi Show and a change to meeting dates. It was decided that because other events including our Pond Tour, the Pond Tour up in Greenville and several of the regional Koi shows that all seem to occur on the second weekend of the month the Lowcountry Koi Club meeting will be held on the first Sunday of each month. The July 2016 Club meeting will be held July 3rd, 2016. Check out their website at http://www.lowcountrykoiclub.com. John Rae, of Michigan Koi & Pond Club SE, reports their 5th Annual Koi Show will be held Aug 26 – 28 at The Pond Place of Michigan in Milford. Show Chairs are John Rae & Mike Conrad. Check out their website at http://www.mkpc-se.com/. Julie Kimball, of Monterey Bay Koi & Pond Club, reports the club had a booth at the Japanese Cultural Fair in Santa Cruz, as we have done for the last several years—it’s a high light of the event and very much appreciated. Rick Blazo brought some of his koi for sale and for show. Always a great attraction and we had information on the club available for all who are interested. It is a great way to promote Koi and our club AND a very fun event. Check their website at http://www.monterey-bay-koi-and-pond-club.org/Monterey-Bay-Koi-and-Pond-Club/Welcome.html. Elaine Barton, of Mountain View Koi Club, reports their July 17th meeting was held at the Koi pond of Jean-Marc and Nicole Menard of Chaline Valley, Quebec. After a lively discussion, the decision was made to postpone our pond tour to mid-September. MVKC monogrammed shirts were given out and members were asked to indicate whether or not they could attend the Montreal Botanical Gardens “Koi Day” and which members would act as support to the exhibiting members. Prizes were decided upon for Best Koi as decided by the public, and by participating Koi clubs’ members. Voting ballots and Award certificates had already been prepared by Daniel Shelton. Jonathon Pinning, who set up our Facebook page, also volunteered to manage the page for the time being. He also gave all of us an alert as three of his nicest Koi were stolen from his netted pond. For several reasons, he felt it was an outright theft and not predation. The raffle was held for three amazing prizes. Once again, scrumptious nibbles and desserts were served and the meeting was adjourned to August 21st at the home and Koi pond of Bonzai specialist, Daniel Shelton, in Hudson, Quebec. During this meeting, Daniel will discuss the art of growing and caring for Bonzai trees. Check their website at http://www.mountainviewkoiclub.com. Dick Thomas, of Northern Midwest ZNA Koi Club,reports their Annual Koi Show has been moved to Sept. 17 – 18, 2016. The planning session will be at their next meeting at the Detroit, MI show the weekend of Aug. 27 – 28, 2016. Russell Peters from CA is building new ponds for two club members in Indianapolis, IN. Check out their website at http://www.nmzna.net/index.html. Eve Bretzke, of Santa Clara Valley K&WGC, reports the club is hosting its 25th Annual Pond Tour on Saturday, July 16, 2016 from 9 AM to 4 PM showcasing six beautiful ponds in the Santa Clara Valley. We are looking forward to a great event. The club plans to host a booth at the upcoming Santa Clara County Fair July 30-Aug.1, 2016.. Our club voted on our Koi of the Year for the AKCA Contest and nominated our Koi Person of the Year. Check out their website at http://www.sckoi.com.

Judy Nicholson, of Santa Clarita Koi & WG Club, reports on Sunday July 17th, 2016 the club had their 9th Annual Growth contest at Ketl Koi Farm. Each member purchased a koi and will grow it out. On June 26th, 2016 the club went on a field trip to Andrews Koi Int. Andy Moo gave a great talk at their meeting. After the meeting the club members all went to Cal State Long Beach for a guided tour of their koi ponds. Check out their website at http://www.scvkoiandwatergardenclub.com/SCV_Koi/Welcome.html

Rick Jokerst, of St. Louis Water Gardening Society, reports on July 26 SLWGS will hold their Auction. This is the LAST TUESDAY of JULY. Check out their website at http://www.saintlouiswatergardeningsociety.org. Dick Hadley, of Upper Midwest Koi Club,reports the Jul 9th meeting was held at his home. Check their website at www.uppermidwestkoiclub.org. Chris Charbonneau, of Washington Koi & WGS, reports

68 days to go until the 25th Annual WK&WGS Koi Show, which is being held at Sky Nursery in Shoreline, WA on the 24th & 25th of Sep. We plan on having some fun at this show because of it being our 25th anniversary, and all members are encouraged to send up your ideas you think might be fun. Please submit ideas via email to showchair@washingtonkoi.org. Check their website at http://washingtonkoi.org. Dinh Nguyen, of ZNA NorCal, reports we are very pleased to announce the 2017 ZNA NorCal National Koi Show that will be held on April 1-2 of 2017. Here is the information: Location: Four Points by Sheraton Hotel San Jose – Silicon Valley. Contact Info: Show Chair: Dr. David Tran – 408 234-8564 ulysse96@hotmail.com. Co-Show Chair: Mr. Donald Dang – 408 680-1861 dd.znanc@yahoo.com. Vendor Coordinator: Mr. Don Chamberlain – 408 594-4161 don@greatwaveeng.com. PR: Mr. Vu Tran – 650 293-7690 vutran_98@yahoo.com. Stay tuned for more details and looking forward to see all koi kichi people across the Nation at the 2017 ZNA NorCal National Koi Show. Check their website at https://www.facebook.com/…/ZNA–NorCal–Koi–Club/114370775244634

Written report submitted by Brenda Chandler: Written report submitted by Brenda Chandler: Jerry Kyle, of Camellia Koi Club, reports as the CKC is again enjoying a growth spurt we are finding new members who want to learn. The July meeting will be at Chuck and Nita’s home where we will all discuss and learn about building a new pond. We share each other’s successes and mistakes over the years and it is an opportunity for the successful pond builders to share their knowledge. Many of us joined before we had a pond and have learned much over the years and it is an opportunity to pay back. With the addition of many members becoming Certified AKCA Koi Health Advisors there are many brains to pick and a great incentive to join the CKC to also learn and share. Check out their website at http://www.camelliakoi.org. Susan Topping, of Capital Area Koi & Water Garden Club, reports membership is down. The first meeting of the year was in May and ponds are doing well in the rebuild mode. Check their website out at http://capitalareakoiclub.org/. Wendell Ford, of Charleston Showa Koi Club, reports the meeting was held at Cracker Barrel in North Charleston on July 16, 2016. It was voted on to not hold the September Pond Tour this year. Next month’s breakfast meeting will be held at Linda Lewis’ home on August 13 2016. Check out their website at http://www.charlestonshowakoiclub.org. Ben Soedjono, of Dallas Koi Kichi Group, reports Dr. Sharon Tiberio is a vet with additional certification in aquatic animals. She is new to the Dallas area after moving here from Florida, and is excited to meet area koi owners! Check out their website at http://www.dallaskoikichi.org. Ken Houtman, of The Great Pond and Koi Society of West Michigan, reports the club has been meeting monthly at members’ homes enjoying the great ponds, great weather, and great food (potluck dinners) while having discussions about koi and their environments. We have a koi photo contest coming up this fall with entries from our member ponds and a 50/50 auction at our next meeting. Check out their website at http://www.wmikoipond.com. Karla Haggi, of High Desert Koi Fanciers, reports unfortunately I don’t have a lot to report since we have been very slow for the last couple of months; it seems the heat here in the high desert has been keeping members indoors with AC’s running at high speed. I am happy to tell everyone that our members’ ponds have been without problems this Spring and now Summer; the heat has made for some green water but as long as our UV lights are working in good order we have been able to stay on top of any problems starting to break out. We have also found that a product by the name Green Clean has “Stopped” the dreaded String Algae bloom we had a problem with two years ago. It started becoming a problem after a club trip to a water garden nursery where members purchased some very beautiful water lilies and other types of water plants. At one point it was so bad in my pond my fish could hardly swim from one side to the other; thank goodness now we have the problem under control. We are looking forward to our yearly dinner event August 6th, our Evening Under the Stars dinner. The Club hosts the dinner and it is our main Summer event. This year it will be South of the Border, with wonderful Mexican food and yes Margaritas; it is the only club function that we have alcohol and a cold Margarita or Cerveza on a warm (OK maybe a hot night) will hit the spot. Anyone can stay up on our events by checking our Face Book page “High Desert Koi Fanciers” I post our newsletters and posts from Koi breeders around the world, so please check it out and give us a Like. There Will Not be a meeting in August and September is TBA; not sure where that will be, stay tuned. https://www.facebook.com/High-Desert-Koi-Fanciers-518389864904070/?fref=ts. Dennis Long, of Metro-Detroit Pond & Garden Club, reports their Annual Pond tour will be held on July 30th in Southfield, Oak Park, Ferndale and Pleasant Ridge areas of MI and they will visit 10 ponds this year. Brenda Chandler, of Nishiki Koi Club, reports the club is not currently meeting. Check out their website at http://www.nishikikoiclub.com. Claude Head, of North East Iowa Koi Association, reports the AKCA Wet Lab/Banquet was well attended and a total success. All involved walked away with great memories, koi knowledge, new friends, good food, Iowa hospitality, an IOWA NEIKA inspired cookbook, fantastic raffle/auction items and in the personal case of Claude – the Peter Enfield Plaque was a 2 year effort to finally claim, but definitely worth the wait. We challenge all active koi clubs to consider hosting a Wet Lab/Banquet, attend a koi show or pond tour and lastly continue your subscription to KOI USA and read it cover to cover. You never know what you might learn and your koi will love you for it. Check out their website at http://www.neikakoiassoc.com/index.html. Lynn Eaton, of Pioneer Valley Water Garden & Koi Club, reports they had their 23rd Annual Pond Tour on the weekend of June 7th – 9th, 2016. They had 12 ponds and 4 vendors in Western, MA. The club also held their yearly restoration at different intersections and street corners in June in the city of Chicopee, MA. Check out their website at http://www.pioneervalleypondclub.com/. Vincent Smith, of Prairieland Koi & Pond Society, reports they had their 2016 Pond Tour in the Tri County Area (around Peoria), IL, with 13 ponds and 100 people on the weekend of July 9th & 10th. Check out their website at http://prairieland_pond.tripod.com/. Barb Flowers, of Rocky Mountain Koi Club, reports she has volunteered to take over as the club’s AKCA Dir/Rep. Thanks Barb! At their June Board Meeting they discussed their Auction; even though they made $2,500 profit, attendance was down. They will ask members whether to shift to an every other year format? It appears the 2016 Koi Show might be on the small side (maybe 50 koi) and one of their Judges has withdrawn (Pat Christensen) due to recouping from her broken hip. Hopefully her husband, Larry, can handle the load solo. Banquet and Judge’s Dinner locations are still being scouted and they’re looking at possibly adding a Vendor’s Class to the show to boost entries and interest. The June meeting was at Jim Glassman’s home; Barb volunteered (again) to demonstrate proper scrape & scope techniques. Check out their website at http://www.rmkc.net. Sheila Jackson, of San Francisco Bay Area Koi Club, reports the club’s next meeting is July 23, 2016 @ 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the home of Sue Edwards. Sue has a well maintained yard with a lovely pond in a park setting with beautiful plants in a very relaxed atmosphere. Check out the club’s website t http://sfbayareakoiclub.org/event. Phil Goulding, of Southern Colorado Koi Club, reports their next meeting will be at the home of Don and Eileen Zytka on Sunday July 24th. Eileen is fixing lunch and goodies for everyone, so nothing to bring except maybe your favorite adult beverage. Bring a lawn chair if you have one, and you may want a sweater – it’s a little cooler up there. Since it’s raining every afternoon, we have a canopy or will crowd onto their enclosed porch – but it will go on! Topic of Discussion is still a secret – Phil will let us know. Bring any problem or questions you may have and there will probably be someone there who can help! Check out their website at http://www.socokoi.org. Pat Ware, of Springfield Watergarden Society, reports on June 11th the club was invited to tour the Carter’s pond in Seymour, MO and enjoyed a potluck with smoked Brisket. On July 29th they are planning a Bus Trip to tour Long Lips Farm in Paola, KS – owned by Lenora Larson – and also tour Swan’s Water Garden (retail Outlet) in the Kansas City area. Check out their website at http://www.springfieldwatergardensociety.com/. David Yee, of Valley of the Sun Koi Club, Inc., reports the club doesn’t meet during the extreme summer heat in the Arizona desert. Check their website at http://www.vskc.net. Mary Oxman, of Ventura County Koi Society, reports the July 16th meeting was to be held at the home of Evy and Steve Schultz in Thousand Oaks. As always, our annual barbeque hosts, Rick & Janet Shaw, treated us to a marvelous afternoon at their home in June. Their dedication to our club is truly exceptional. Rick did a fabulous job with the pork ribs newly added to the menu. Both Janet and Rick make entertaining a crowd look so effortless. Thanks to those who brought raffle items and bought tickets. We did well in offsetting some of the BBQ expense. The ever popular eating frenzy of the Shaw’s koi was a performance worthy of the occasion; much like the grand finale at a fireworks display I can’t thank Rick and Janet enough for continuing their tradition of hosting our annual barbeque! The August 13th meeting will be hosted by Gary and Denise Stouffer in Thousand Oaks. Check their website at http://users.vcnet.com/rrenshaw/vcks.html.

Written report submitted by Jeff Fleischer: Glen Hubenthal, of Austin Pond Society, Inc., reports their Monday – July 21st meeting will feature speaker Mark Klym and his topic will be “Texas Amphibian Watch”. This should be very interesting as we get to learn about the “other” amphibian life in our ponds. Rick Paul, of Macon Water Garden & Koi Club, reports the club’s July meeting will be at Snellgroves in Centerville, on Houston Lake road at 6:00 p.m. on July 10. JoAnn Mead, of Mid-Atlantic Koi Club, said for the Long Island Chapter: Pond Tour July 17th; and for the South Chapter: a Japanese Festival at the National Arboretum for reopening of the pond October 15, 2016. Carmen Caputo, of Tri-State ZNA Chapter, reports their Koi and Bonsai Show will be on July 29-30, at Snug Harbor, Staten Island, NY. Jeff Fleischer, of ZNA Southern California Chapter, reports the club had their monthly meeting for July at the home of Murray Siegel. We discussed future planning for next year’s Koi show coming up in March of 2017, to be held at the usual show site in Gardena, CA. Also open for discussion was the chance to help advise pond improvements for a local Japanese Community garden.